Washington, DC—Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid released the following statement this evening in response to the death of Pennsylvania Congressman John Murtha, who passed away today at age 77:

“I am deeply saddened by the loss of my colleague Jack Murtha. I send my condolences to his wife, Joyce, the entire Murtha family and the people of the 12th Congressional district in Pennsylvania as they grieve his passing.

“The scores of friends and colleagues who worked with Jack during his 36 years of service in Congress will miss the tenacity and passion that he brought to his job every day. Before his time in Congress, Jack served our nation admirably in Vietnam and holds the distinction of being the first Vietnam Veteran elected to the House of Representatives. The American people are safer because of the military experience that Jack Murtha brought to Congress. He will be sorely missed.”